THE PRINCIPALS: Paul Wheeler: CEO of the Wheeler Enterprises empire, is shot dead during an armed robbery. Julie Rutledge: A savvy, cultured, and attractive Southern woman, was hand-inhand with Paul Wheeler at the time of his death. Derek Mitchell: A defense lawyer of renown, he goes to the mat to make a case for every client -- and headlines for himself. Creighton Wheeler: The prodigal nephew of Paul and a playboy with a passion for movies. Even those closest to Creighton can't be sure when he exits reality and enters the fantasy world of films.

STORYBOARD: The murder of Paul Wheeler has all the elements of a blockbuster: family rivalries, incalculable wealth, and a prominent man dying in the arms of his beautiful mistress. It's a case that could earn Derek Mitchell even greater star power. When the Wheeler family approaches him about defending Creighton for his uncle's murder -- even before he's charged -- he jumps at the chance.

Although Creighton has a rock-solid alibi, Julie is convinced that he is responsible for Paul's murder. Caught in several lies, and keeping secrets from Derek and the police, Julie is suspected of casting blame on Creighton to cover her own crime. Meanwhile, Derek fears he's being duped...yet he burns with jealousy when he thinks of Julie with her late lover. But the more Derek learns about Creighton, the more he doubts the young man's innocence. And hiding in a squalid motel under an assumed name is the one man, a career criminal, a killer, who knows the truth. The clock ticks down toward a shocking ending that can't be known until the final SMASH CUT.

Quotes & Awards

“Most crime thrillers come from male authors. But with Smash Cut, Sandra Brown shows that she’s right up with the best of the boys....[Brown’ s] dialogue snaps, crackles, and pops, and her characters rise above cliché. Smash Cut deserves to be this summer’s blockbuster thriller.”

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“This superlative romantic thriller from bestseller Brown features a particularly memorable villain, sociopath Creighton Wheeler, who’s obsessed with reenacting scenes from films like Strangers on a Train and Frenzy…Multiple smash cuts (abrupt scene shifts) lead to a wonderfully frenzied finish.”

Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Brown delivers more than a few thrills and surprises in this taut, satisfying page-turner.”

Booklist

“Packed with surprises and the kind of propulsive plot for which Brown is justly famous, this effort will not disappoint her readers.”

Kirkus Reviews

A New York Times Bestseller

Listener Opinions

by Naviana | 2/6/2014

" Loved it! Kept me on the edge of my seat. "

by Amy | 1/20/2014

" This was the first book I read of hers and loved it keeps you guessing. "

by Sarah | 1/20/2014

" Good read, entertaining... little twisted (but not in a bad way). "

by Elizabeth Martel | 1/19/2014

" I don't choose mysteries as a genre to read...but I must admit it seems whenever I pick up a Sandra Brown novel...I gobble it up in a couple of days...the same here...couldn't put it down. "

" This mystery/romance read well. The conclusion was a little contrived, however. A good book for S. Brown. "

Carol Frederick | 1/12/2014

" A typical Sandra Brown--quick read, a few twists and turns, enjoyable. "

Kay | 1/6/2014

" You can't call this book a mystery since you know the villain almost from the beginning. However, there is a surprise at the end that I didn't see coming. The characters were great and the plot was superb. I felt it was a totally enjoyable book. "

Josephine | 12/27/2013

" I don't know. Maybe I've read too many of her books. I guessed a major plot. "

Diane | 12/25/2013

" Good read with a little twist at the end. "

Dianne | 12/23/2013

" The end surprised me! I love when that happens :-) "

Angela | 12/16/2013

" Another great book--it was surprising all the way up until the end. "

Laura Swearingen | 12/16/2013

" Kept my attention to the end. "

Pegysue | 12/9/2013

" Another great book!! I have not read a Sandra Brown thriller I haven't loved!! "

" A good suspense novel. Nothing deep or challenging ... just an entertaining read. I"ll likely try another one of Sandra Brown's books. "

Heather | 8/20/2013

" Couldn't put it down. Love the surprise at the end! "

M.R. Cornelius | 7/7/2013

" This may be my last Sandra Brown book. I like her writing style, the thriller/romance genre, but the 'shocking ending' was so bogus on this one, I just couldn't buy it. No 'spoiler' here, just disappointment. "

Linda Arnsdorf | 5/3/2013

" The plot is clear. There are a couple of twists. This is not compelling but an easy entertaining read. "

Lweslock | 4/7/2013

" This was a good easy read. Sandra Brown is slightly predictable, but always fun. "

Sillylittlefishey | 2/1/2013

" I absolutely LOVED this book. There was never a dull moment and more twists and turns then I ever saw coming!! And I loved Derek from the moment he went into Julie's gallery with all his sexual innuendos--too funny:) Sandra Smith sure knows how to spin a story and drawn you in!! "

MaryHelen | 11/20/2012

" I liked this book and would give it a 3.5 if I could. She's an author who can keep your interest. "

Nancy W. | 10/10/2012

" A fun read. Lot's of action. Recommend it for the adventure. It's hard to go wrong with Sandra Brown if you're looking for an escape book. "

Katie Donahoe | 5/21/2012

" Pretty good one..... really liked the twist at the very end..only thing i wouldve liked better would be if it hadnt been so obvious from fairly early on who the villain was "

Tena Hall | 3/26/2012

" One of the best books I've read in a long time, the ending is one that you will never see coming! "

Blake | 2/1/2012

" Not bad, nice plot. too much sex. "

Hope McCormick | 10/6/2011

" Good story. The female lead character was a bit annoying. I don't LOVE Sandra Brown enough to run out and read everything she's done, but she stays on my list for when I need a change of pace. "

Maxine | 5/16/2011

" Fantastic thriller. Movie buffs will enjoy the famous quotes with Hitchcock lovers having the most fun.
Could not put this book down!
"

Cindy | 5/6/2011

" Action-packed, well-written and researched, this was a great read on a rainy day. There were some surprises and twists along the way which helped make this a real page-turner. I think this could be one of Sandra Brown's best!
"

Connie | 4/9/2011

" I always enjoy Sandra Brown's writing style. Her stories flow perfectly and her use of language is always just right. I usually like her books and I did enjoy the characters in "Smashcut." Unfortunately, I had the plot pretty much figured out about half-way through.
"

Dianne | 4/6/2011

" The end surprised me! I love when that happens :-)
"

Teresa | 3/7/2011

" I liked this book but it has so many plot lines that's it's tough to keep up but she pulled it together nicely. I always like it when I learn something new about a different job or lifestyle.
"

Lydia | 3/4/2011

" I loved this book! I was on the edge of my seat and never guessed the ending! Quite a thrilling book.
"

Tena | 2/27/2011

" One of the best books I've read in a long time, the ending is one that you will never see coming!
"

Carol | 2/17/2011

" It was refreshing to read a mystery where we were pretty sure who the villian was through most of the book, if only they could persuade the Police to consider him as the culpret. I found Maggie's death particularly upsetting. I didin't see the final twist coming at all.
"

Michelle | 2/14/2011

" Fast read, perfect book for a beach day.
"

Jenny | 2/10/2011

" I liked this book. Sandra Brown's books are entertaining and easy to read. This was a really good one.
"

Jenn | 2/8/2011

" Stephen King was 100% right, when he said: "If you want romantic suspense that has teeth...Sandra Brown's your gal."

Great author. Great book. I could never choose a favorite Sandra Brown book...but let's just say if you're a fan...this book does not dissappoint.
"

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